Thematic Working Groups (TWGs) are a core component of Health Systems Global’s (HSG) identity as a member-driven organization. These multi-disciplinary groups are comprised of researchers, decision-makers and implementers, and they provide a platform for membership interaction and the exchange of experiences around particular issues in health systems research.
Currently there are ten TWGs that have been approved by the HSG Board. They are listed on the right-hand menu – to find out more about the groups and their work please click on their names. HSG members are encouraged to engage with or join the TWGs.
HSG has established a Board-level working group to guide the Board and the Secretariat on TWG-related strategic issues. Additionally, HSG has a TWG Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) document, which provides guidelines for the establishment and management of TWGs.
For any queries please contact the Secretariat.
Criteria for TWGs
TWGs should:
- Represent a major health systems research issue, or methodological approach or capacity development challenge;
- Ensure that their goals and objectives of the proposal are aligned with HSG’s 2016–2020 strategy priorities and clearly reflect where and how the TWG contributes to achieving organizational goals;
- Be led by current members of the society;
- Encompass diverse members of HSG, including members, for example, from different geographical areas (countries or regions) or different languages, or different constituencies (researchers, policymakers, implementers, civil society), and should include representatives from both the global North and South;
- Be of long-term relevance; and
- Promote the work of the society through, for example, engaging in activities that promote the growth of HPSR, hosting webinars, and writing blog posts.
Benefits to TWGs
TWGs are offered a package of benefits, including:
- A homepage on the HSG website;
- Access to the society member mailings/newsletter/social media (e.g. to announce events or activities);
- Use of the society’s logo and name on their materials;
- Dedicated time slot and meeting room during the society’s biennial global symposium;
- An organized session at the biennial global symposium; and
- The opportunity to contribute to and become involved in symposium activities (such as the role of rapporteur).
How the TWGs operate
TWGs may have a variety of different objectives, from developing capacity for health systems research, to promoting and sharing research findings in a particular field. Accordingly, different TWGs may engage in different activities such as providing training opportunities for HSG members through webinars or face-to-face training sessions; sharing announcements about relevant research funding opportunities; establishing mentoring schemes; developing advocacy tools; or providing awards to outstanding students or practitioners. Further, TWGs should consider developing sub-groups/streams for specific areas of work.
Each TWG should be led by a minimum of three HSG members, who will take responsibility for developing the program of work for the group and supporting its implementation. These ‘officers’ of the TWG should be prepared to rotate periodically. They should maintain an email list of the members and organize section meetings at the Global Symposia. It is at the discretion of each group if they would like to plan interim meetings at events of their choice. These positions are non-remunerative and the TWGs should not expect additional support from the society beyond that outlined above.